When you live in an area with frequent storms and above-average rainfall, it’s likely that you’ve had to deal with standing or pooling water on your property (AKA “bird baths”). Whether it’s in your lawn, on your driveway, or maybe even up against your home, standing water can be a huge problem for a homeowner. Issues could include puddles turning to ice which is a major liability. Other risks and liabilities include the following.
- Deep pools or hidden, uneven, underwater walking surfaces can also prove to be hazards just waiting to cause damages.
- Pests and insects can also be huge issues if you live in a humid area where bird baths are likely to attract breeding grounds when the environment is optimal.
- Foundational damage is a huge risk to the wallet due to the costly nature of this problem worsening over time. If things get bad then it’s likely that repairs are going to be expensive.
- Cracking concrete is going to occur over time if voids form underneath concrete slabs. Standing water allows for the solid soil foundation to shift underneath which in turn forms voids.
- Joint quality will also deteriorate over time and will need to be resealed to keep groundwater from causing voids to form faster.
Get Standing Water Dealt With Now
Water pooling on residential and commercial property is often overlooked. That standing water left unchecked for long periods of time is almost certain to cause issues. We’ve all been to the local grocery store after a big rain and seen how much pooling occurs, especially if the parking lot hasn’t been taken care of when needed. This is common, as well, for rundown streets that need proper upkeep to maintain functionality. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, make sure that your property is free of the aforementioned issues. They are likely to become a much bigger problem if not dealt with sooner rather than later.
Damage Done By Resting Water
Damages can be extensive depending on the amount of time puddles have been forming and remaining on your concrete. If it takes a long time for that water to either drain or dry, issues are likely to arise. When bad drainage isn’t fixed in time, it is likely that cracks, holes, and other damages can occur to your concrete surface.
Standing water remaining on your concrete slab surfaces for an extended period of time means more than just cracks can occur. Damage to sealant is likely, which can further lead to mold and/or algae thriving. If the water pooling on the concrete happens to freeze during the colder months, it will expand and make cracks or holes even larger than before. This expansion can also displace the slabs making them appear more sunken or tilted as well.
Pooling is only really caused by a few reasons. Your surface may not have been laid evenly and has a low spot that doesn’t drain. The surface wasn’t laid to allow proper drainage or possibly the drainage that was initially used now slopes toward the wrong direction. Whatever the reason may be, Tilted Concrete will be able to identify the problem and provide you with a solution so that your concrete surfaces can be protected from pooling water for years to come.
Safety Hazards And Risks Of Bird Baths
Physical hazards might be more obvious. Things like deep potholes to fall into and injure yourself in or frozen puddles to slip on can also result from pooling water. These are definitely more common risks associated with standing water but should not be overlooked. If someone trips/slips and falls into a pothole or on some ice, the property owner is likely responsible and could face legal action.
Other Physical Dangers Arise From Standing Water
Discoloration of concrete is a common effect of having standing water “pool” over concrete for long periods of time. It is also possible that improper drainage could be causing water to pool against your home or building. This could end up weakening the foundation’s integrity or ruining your home’s interior. In many cases, if this occurs, it can be nearly impossible to fully restore. In some extreme cases, the whole home, or other form of structure, can sink which eventually causes problems for pipes under the building. Foundation repair and other issues are expensive, so don’t allow this to happen to your home or building. Make sure your gutters and water drainage systems are doing their jobs properly so you don’t end up paying for it big time in the end.
Standing Water Creates Health Risks
Sitting water is an ideal cess-pools for many types of bacteria, mold, and parasites. Some types of bacteria can cause serious illness to humans or animals. Mold begins to grow very quickly with the right conditions and infestations are also known to cause respiratory illnesses in people and animals.
Standing water can also attract other insects and pests to invade your property’s watering holes and breeding grounds. Many rodents and mosquitoes can carry and spread disease if you come into contact. Protect your family or customers and make sure this standing water is not taking place and putting people at risk.
Residential Vs Commercial Tips For Preventing Pooling Water
If you’re experiencing water pooling after every rainstorm or car wash on your driveway then it’s likely drainage from your home is no longer ideal. Make sure that if pooling is occurring on your sidewalks, patios, or driveways you have proper drainage systems set up and working properly. This includes trenching drains for adequate rainfall drainage. Having clean, functional, gutters and runoff channeling systems are also extremely important in maintaining dry flat concrete surfaces after a large rainstorm.
Most bird baths that occur for commercial properties are on streets and parking lots. These areas receive less attention and therefore less overall maintenance. This could be a huge problem for the commercial property owners, however, as replacing these large areas with new concrete pours could end up being a huge expense. If proper drainage and upkeep are maintained then it is likely your concrete slab’s lifespan will long exceed that of mishandled maintenance or putting off needed repairs. Before it gets to that point, consider our polyjacking service to level out your concrete and avoid pooling water.
How To Avoid Further Damages
Installation of Dry Wells can be a huge help to lead excess water directly into an underground canister for storage and later water drainage. Both Basin and Channel drain systems work well if you have a paved surface that needs proper drainage and collection. Properly sealing concrete surfaces can also keep slabs safe from the deterioration of standing water and time.
Get Standing Water Out Of Your Life And Off Your Property
No matter the urgency of your concrete leveling needs, if you are starting to see pooling or standing water on your concrete surfaces, it is very likely that some action is needed. Make it easy on yourself and call Tilted Concrete Solutions for your free inspection and estimate. Whether you just need some professional advice or expert repair, we are Houston’s premier solution for any and all concrete leveling needs.
